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Romans 9:17 

“I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth”...

   ...God gave me this verse about a year ago when He completely changed the plans I had made for my future. Last year, I was absolutely certain I would attend Watkins College of Art and Design for a degree in photography, and then go on to have my own photography business. My parents had always talked about me going to YWAM when I was old enough, but I had never taken much interest in it. After supporting a couple of friends who were going through YWAM, it hit me. I can’t explain how it went about exactly, but I knew God was calling me to YWAM as well. Suddenly all the plans I had made were insignificant because the Creator of the universe let me see a glimpse of His plan for me. He told me I’m made for something greater and more fulfilling than the way I was headed. The joy and excitement I felt at that time were beyond words. He reminded me that my gifting with photography is from Him, to use for His glory and to benefit others. I realized how much more satisfied I would be to use photography for those purposes rather than for my advantage.

So why did I chose New Zealand? Well, in my excitement, I spent day after day thinking about where I would like to go. I knew God was calling me to YWAM, but He didn’t give me any specifics... I think He was having fun letting me go crazy about it! I looked at about a thousand different bases, asking God to give me some kind of sign. For some reason I

was very drawn to New Zealand. After looking at all the Discipleship Training Schools they had to offer, I couldn’t stop thinking about their “Around the World in 80 Days” DTS. This is a very unique program, unlike any other DTS. The participants have a 3 month lecture phase, which is in Oxford, New Zealand -- about an hour away from Christchurch. After that phase is completed, the outreach phase starts. The base is divided into 5 groups; each group goes to 5 different countries in the region of the world they were assigned to. While in their assigned countries, the groups will serve people and share the gospel in many ways, such as working with other ministries, teaching English, service projects, and prayer walks.

That’s not the end! At the end of the outreach, the teams meet in Israel for graduation. While there everyone will visit places in the Holy Land, walking where Jesus walked. It is also a time to debrief and share experiences with one another. On the last day, everyone will be commissioned on the Mount of Olives, as Jesus did with His disciples in Matthew 28:19.

This all sounded magical to me, like a dream. I prayed about it daily, told a few people to pray with me, and waited for confirmation. I wanted to go to this base quite a lot. It just seemed like the perfect fit for me. I felt peace about it and God continued to confirm this was the one for me. I was worried for a long time about finances, though. I kept my options open because even with God’s peace, I couldn’t help but wonder how I was supposed to get $14,000 (which is twice as much as a normal YWAM DTS). I lived in that worry for a long time, which seems so silly now because my God has ALWAYS provided for me and given me way more than I deserve. But in our weakness His power is made perfect! He told me again and again not to worry, that this is His will for me, so why would He not provide? Matthew 6:25-27 became much more meaningful to me during that time: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” And Matthew 7:7: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” God provided me with a well-paying job that I absolutely love and friends and family who bless me. I now have about half of my goal!

So now for the game plan:

The 12 week lecture phase begins on the 26th of February 2012. During this time I will be diving into the heart of God, learning in depth about who He is.

The 12 week outreach phase starts on the 12th of May and finishes on the 10th of August 2012. In between those dates I will travel to 6 different countries; the first 5 I won’t know until closer to time, the last being Israel.

I’m ecstatic about this entire thing and I know I’m about to embark on a journey that will mature me in so many ways. I’ll make memories that I will carry throughout my entire life. Oh! I can’t forget to mention that one of my dearest friends, Judy will be going with me! I couldn’t be more thrilled... it will be nice to have someone I know well to adventure with :)

All this to say, I need your support!

It would much appreciated if you would pray with me during this time! Pray for wisdom and guidance, strength and boldness, and peace for me and my parents as well. Pray against the attacks of the enemy during this period of waiting, as well as the time I will spend overseas. I also need prayer for all of my finances to come through.

If you feel led to contribute money towards my trip, I would be extremely grateful!!! Every little bit helps. Please pray and ask the Lord if you should give, and if so, how much. “The generous soul will be made rich, and he who

waters will also be watered himself.” Proverbs 11:25.

Thanks a lot, I love all of you! I promise to keep you posted with pictures and stories from my adventures around the world.

Blessings,

Stephanie Carmack


Please send your donations to:
3900 Pepperwood Drive
Antioch, TN 37013
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If writing a check, make out to me or my church, Priest Lake Christian Fellowship